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Taking other peoples' kids to England
In addition to my own kids, I'm taking two teenagers (under 16) to the UK via Eurotunnel. One is British and the other is Polish. In addition to a letter from their parents (this has been fine in the past via Eurostar with a British kid - it wasn't official from the commune) is there anything else I should look out for or need? I have asked Eurotunnel who said 'We would advise that you check the legal requirements with the appropriate authorities as Eurotunnel Le Shuttle will only check your transport ticket. The local embassy of the country the child is travelling to might be able to advise you on the official documentation that is needed.' I would like to know of any first-hand experience people have had - I will obviously be asking the relevant Embassies and parents - just to be sure and to avoid being turned back. Cheers, NethenBob
And what about the UK authorities when the kids arrive?
As I said, I looked in to this and found no clear answer and anybody who thinks the answer is "simple" because a commune in Belgium will issue a letter in French (I presume) should post it here including the requirements of the receiving country.
Of course the big joke is if this is all so serious and important, where are the Belgians policing the borders between France, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands........?
Whether at Eurotunnel, Eurostar or a port such as Dunkerque I have gone through both Belgian or French and then UK border control directly. They all accept the commune paperwork in French.
Border controls within the Schengen Area are subject to different rules hence no 'policing'.
I ask again, why would anybody in the UK accept paperwork in ANY language from some commune in Belgium? I can make paperwork in French from Belgium and claim I am some sort of authority.
When I mentioned it's all a bit of a joke when nothing is being checked at other borders, I did not need it pointing out that other borders are not controlled. I suspect you missed the point.
@Mikek1300gt, there is no "formal" requirement to have a letter, but the Belgian government does suggest that having a letter is a good idea, see here:
http://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/Services/voyager_a_letranger/information...
"Il n’existe pas de formulaires ni de procédures belges ou internationales qui fixent les règles en matière d’autorisation parentale pour le voyage de mineurs. Nous vous recommandons toutefois de prévoir une autorisation écrite si votre enfant voyage seul ou en compagnie d’autres personnes que vous, ses parents."
And as I mentioned before in an earlier answer, there is a standard form that is available from your commune that they will issue for this purpose. (Bruxelles Ville even publish their one on their website here: http://www.bruxelles.be/artdet.cfm/5964 )
And surprising as it may seem, there are people who work in UK Border Control on the Eurostar in Brussels and London or Eurotunnel in Calais and Dover who can speak and read French and Flemish (and a number of other languages too!)
The quoted statement actually confirms what I am saying.
A friend and I bought her children over all UK nationals but have dad's family name not mums the euro tunnel staff didn't even blink as we left UK On ferry home we were challenged as to who had parental responsibility for children.
If they had UK passports I'd say don't stress because family names can vary.
However I agree in this case get the form with the official stamp and a signed letter from parents plus their mobile numbers in case.
I have got the commune letter in Flemish when my kids went on a trip with drama club. It was simple to get.
Ps have your tried ringing the embassy for advice?
Thanks one and all for your contributions.
It seems that the letter from the commune could be a two-edged sword. It may well prove useful at the border, but possibly no more so than a parental letter and contact details. It is also probably necessary for minors to be allowed to be away from their place of domiciliation under Belgian law.
I must admit that I will be very surprised if I encounter other problems with 4 presumably happy teenagers in the car, but will pass on such information if it arises. Needless to say, I'm not expecting problems on the return journey.
Cheers.
The difference between the commune form and a parental letter is that to get the form the identity of the person requesting it is checked. A parental letter could be written and signed by anyone.
Hope you have/had a good trip without any issues.
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